Marked on the obverse: 'MEDAL OF HONOR 1867' with 'PROVINCIAL EXHIBITION N.W.P.' [for Province] and 'THE HONBLE E. DRUMMOND, LT.GR.' [for Governor]. It is neatly engraved around the rim: 'SUPDT. ROORKEE WORKSHOPS', probably for the railway workshops in the town of Roorkee in Northern India.

A possible recipient for this medal is Captain James Waterhouse. The 1868 Indian Army List shows JW as Supdt. Photographic Branch in the Surveyor General's Department in Roorkee, 23.7.66. In his time he was highly esteemed for his portraits of indigenous people. He became Major General in 1899 and retired from service in 1904. Arguably, he stands in the front rank of pioneers of Indian photography.

This medal was possibly issued for the Paris World Exposition in 1867, which had an Indian and colonial section.

The medal (just over 4cm in diameter) is signed 'W.Wyon RA' under the bust of the Queen, which is the typical 'young' head of the mid-19th century medals by this august family of medalists, found on both Mutiny and Crimea medals, for example.

The condition is GVF+.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.